Pentagon cites industrial base mix, munitions capability for proposed F-15EX buy

The Pentagon cited diversifying its tactical aircraft industrial base, growing capacity, and having a more affordable way to deploy munitions as reasons for pushing the US Air Force (USAF) to procure fourth-generation Boeing F-15EX fighters, according to a senior Department of Defense (DoD) official.

“The decision around F-15EX really all centred around how do we balance the planes we need for the mission set we have and how do we do that as affordably as possible to maintain as much capacity as we can,” the official told reporters on 22 March at the Pentagon.

The official said all Pentagon components agreed that fourth-generation platforms are cheaper than fifth-generation platforms such as the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter (JSF), over the course of a life cycle, including operation and sustainment (O&S). Therefore, the DoD can buy additional capacity with a mix of aircraft that more appropriately matches the mission set, he said.

Although fourth-generation aircraft may not be able to penetrate highly-contested environments in a future conflict against peer adversaries, the official said there is a role for stand-off munitions. As the F-15EX is cheaper to operate over time, this enables the USAF to buy the penetrating aircraft it needs, such as the F-35, and purchase additional capacity by purchasing stand-off munitions at a relatively lower price.